Leicester City are closing in on the signing of Hibernian defender Warren O'Hora. The Foxes are finalising a late summer transfer for the Irish centre-back, according to a report from the Edinburgh News.
Russell Martin, the Leicester manager, previously worked with O'Hora at MK Dons and is moving to strengthen his defensive options. The club currently sits 21st in League One with two points from three games, having scored two goals and conceded three. They are five points behind early leaders Blackpool ahead of their next match at home to Oxford United on September 5th, a game you can follow on our fixtures page.
Why is Warren O'Hora a target for Leicester?
Warren O'Hora is a 27-year-old centre-back with significant experience. He made 85 appearances for Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership after joining from MK Dons. Martin has described the potential arrivals of O'Hora and midfielder John Lundstram as a "big coup," noting both players have won titles and were promoted to the Premier League last season. "They are two men with a bit of experience that will definitely help the young group we have," Martin said.
The manager specifically highlighted the need for another midfield option, pointing out the lack of midfielders on the bench in a recent match. Lundstram is set to join after having his contract terminated at Turkish side Trabzonspor.
How does this transfer affect Hibernian?
Losing O'Hora so close to the deadline is a blow for Hibernian boss David Gray. The Scottish transfer window shuts at 5pm on Thursday, just hours before Hibs are scheduled to host rivals Hearts in the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. England's window closes late on Tuesday night.
Gray acknowledged the inevitable speculation as the deadline nears. "We're getting very close to the end of this window now, so I would expect there to be speculation," the Hibs manager said. "As always, we are actively looking, we're actively being ready for whatever comes."
The club does have other defensive options in Jason Kerr, Grant Hanley, and Jack Iredale, with Jordan Obita also capable of playing centrally. However, Rocky Bushiri remains a long-term absentee.
Where would O'Hora fit into the Leicester squad?
O'Hora's arrival would provide immediate competition and depth in central defence for Leicester. Martin's side has struggled for consistency early in the League One campaign, with a record of zero wins, two draws, and one loss. Their -1 goal difference is an area the manager will be keen to improve.
Integrating a defender familiar with his methods could help solidify a back line that has conceded in each of its opening games. Fans can track the team's defensive record and other key metrics on our stats page. The move aligns with Martin's stated aim of adding proven winners to a relatively young squad as they look to climb the standings.
What is the timeline for the deal?
The transfer is being finalised as the English window prepares to shut on Tuesday night. This gives Leicester a narrow window to complete the paperwork before the deadline passes. For Hibs, the potential departure comes just before a critical derby match and their own later deadline on Thursday.
Hibs have recently recorded wins against Plymouth Argyle and Dundee, but losing a key defender could disrupt their momentum. Leicester's focus now turns to completing the signing and preparing for the visit of Oxford United this Friday.
